Category: Post 3

Hey Rosina,

I really appreciate your approach to using Google documents, speech recognition, and online interaction to assist non-native English learners. To further improve the learning experience, I suggest prioritizing learning outcomes, promoting inclusivity, and engaging students with interactive content. Additionally, providing reliable multilingual support and technical assistance, fostering collaboration, and incorporating student feedback can greatly enhance the learning process. Lastly, it’s important to always respect copyright and intellectual property rights when utilizing external resources. Overall, your input is truly valuable and greatly appreciated.

The practice of inclusive learning and teaching acknowledges every student’s right to a learning environment that values diversity, fosters participation, eliminates obstacles, and takes into account different learning requirements and preferences.

Consider the learning environment for your current design. What potential barriers can be reduced or eliminated to provide more pathways for learner success?

I have chosen Google Classroom as my learning platform, but several barriers can impede a child’s learning experience. Learning barriers can be physical, mental, emotional, cultural, or social elements that get in the way of a student achieving their learning goals. As 2020 brought global shutdowns and stay-at-home orders, our homes became our primary learning environments. Some thrived in a remote setting, whereas others were more challenged.

Available resources, distractions, and emotional and mental well-being all played a role in adapting to our new environments. Now, as more businesses and, in some locations, schools adopt a hybrid approach, our homes are becoming commonplace for encountering learning obstacleswhen we don’t have the right tools or support.

Successfully navigating the challenges of remote or hybrid learning requires a multi-faceted approach and strong support systems.

• Ensure that students have reliable internet access, appropriate devices, and necessary software or applications.
• Establish a structured schedule that includes designated study time, breaks, and leisure activities to provide a sense of normalcy and predictability.
• Promote diversity and inclusivity in the learning environment by incorporating resources and materials that represent a variety of cultures, languages, and perspectives.
• Encourage peer-to-peer interactions, group projects, and collaborative learning experiences through video conferencing platforms or online discussion boards.
• Create virtual clubs or interest-based groups where students can connect with like-minded peers and engage in activities that go beyond academics.

It’s important to remember that overcoming learning barriers is a joint effort among educators, parents or caregivers, and students themselves. Consistent communication, adaptability, and flexibility are essential in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, whether in a remote or hybrid setting.

References

Imperial College London. (n.d.). Educational Development Unit. What is inclusive learning and teaching and why is it important? https://www.imperial.ac.uk/staff/educational-development/teaching-toolkit/inclusive-learning-and-teaching/what-is-inclusive-learning-and-teaching-and-why-is-it-important/#:~:text=What do we mean by,of learning needs and preferences.” 

Rice, G. (2023, March 8). Why your students aren’t learning (and how to fix it). Thinkific. https://www.thinkific.com/blog/barriers-to-learning/